Installing Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions

For a while now I have been seeing random people complaining about the fact that they cannot install Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions (Basic or Premium). This always struck me as odd – as I was sure that this was a supported configuration – but I did not reply as I did not have the time to try this configuration myself and confirm that it did in fact work.

I finally had the chance to try this out – and while I can confirm that running Windows Virtual PC on Windows 7 Home Editions is supported and does work – I also stumbled upon the probable cause of peoples confusion.

If you go to the official Virtual PC website (http://www.microsoft.com/virtualpc) and indicate that you are running Windows 7 Home – you will be (correctly) informed that you are not eligible to run Windows XP Mode:

Unfortunately this page does not explain that you are eligible to run Windows Virtual PC.

To clarify – “Windows Virtual PC” is the virtualization program that allows you to create and run virtual machines on Windows 7. “Windows XP Mode” is a free pre-configured Windows XP virtual machine. “Windows XP Mode” is not available for people running Windows 7 Home editions; but these users can download Windows Virtual PC and use a separate (fully licensed) copy of Windows XP to create their own Windows XP virtual machines and get all the functionality of Windows XP Mode.

I purchased a 64bit Windows 7 Home Premium desktop for my wife in Jan 2010. She wanted to open some older xp files so I purchased a Windows 7 Pro Anytime Upgrade from Home premium download from Microsoft. After downloading, you're supposed to be able to download a free copy which I don't think I did. Her XP mode has become unstable and I'd like to re-install Virtual XP.

Is there a way I can get the free download now (July 2012)?

mmarichalar

5 Aug 2012 10:52 AM

Thank you so much for saving me a lot of reading and head aches to provide a quick, understandable and simple solution.

Reza

11 Sep 2012 12:20 AM

I have download windows virtual XP for Windows 7 Home Edition (Premium) 64bit from link above, but it does not work !! in Windows XP mode! Would you please help me in this regards? Thank you.

ayush

14 Sep 2012 4:08 AM

After installation of virtual pc wht i have to do for running of xp in window 7.

sceptic

14 Sep 2012 1:13 PM

Version of your W7? Home Premium 64bit.

"You are not eligible to download Windows XP Mode. You must have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate to run Windows XP Mode. To upgrade visit Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade."

So, no, it will not work with home premium.

Ruchir Pandey

1 Oct 2012 5:17 AM

But i want Virtual pc for win 7 home basic .

is it possible??

means is VPC available for win 7 home basic??

Tony

10 Oct 2012 11:15 AM

Thank You for explaining this confusion!! I will try it as well. I have done this on Windows 7 Professional with no problems.

Costas

21 Oct 2012 11:56 AM

Prior to downloading VirtualPC, I am being asked to run the Gennuine Validation routine. When I do, I get the massage I need to download the latest version of GennuineCheck software. Where can I find it...

Victor

17 Dec 2012 9:58 AM

I think it's a sales strategy from Microsoft to encourage purchase of Windows 7 pro (and upwards). It makes sense to me to confuse the average user by trying to paint a picture of "Windows XP mode" and "Virtual PC" as "different". Once you figure out that XP mode is only pre-configured, then you're good to go.

Cecile

4 Jan 2013 2:24 PM

I downloaded and tried to install Windows6.1-KB958559-x64-RefreshPkg.msu

It said "update not applicable to your computer" and didn't install, although I'm running Home Premium Win 7 on a 1 year old HP laptop. I already ran the HAV detection tool which said the computer was able and BIOS turned on. What could be wrong?

Cecile

4 Jan 2013 2:32 PM

Ran VPCwizard and got the message

"The application has requested Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way."

Cecile

4 Jan 2013 2:35 PM

Re: run the program C:\Windows\System32\VPCWizard.exe to start the wizard to create a VM

I did that and got an error message "The application has requested Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way"

end user

31 Jan 2013 3:27 AM

This is an obvious ploy to trick people into buying something more expensive than windows 7 home. Typical.

Aidan

19 Feb 2013 3:38 PM

I managed to get the program installed. But when I created my machine it told me to reboot using a proper boot device. Odd, I'm running a 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium, HAs anyone else gotten it to work on theres?